The Equilibrio Gazette
A brief bulletin for building safe workspaces!
This weekly newsletter is your gateway to staying current on relevant
laws (like POSH, POCSO, Transgender Persons Act, etc.) and the
psychosocial intersections that impact the workplace.
23rd August 2024 | Issue No. 44
Upcoming Events
Mark your calendars! In this section, we highlight an upcoming event you won't want to miss.
We’re thrilled to host Koyel Ghosh (They/Them) for our final Level 1 session, Module 4: Reshaping Organizational Culture (Gender & Sexuality). Koyel, Managing Trustee of Sappho for Equality, will use their experience and innovative methods to enhance discussions on inclusivity and accessibility. Contact us for more details!
Our DEIB Course is moving from strength to strength. We are nearing the close of our Level 1 of the certificate course – wherein our focus has been on Gender and Sexuality. We are opening signups for our Level 2 of the course which brings the spotlight to Disability and Caste, starting 4th September 2024! To be a part of the cohort or know more, click here
In the Spotlight!
Explore ways to build your knowledge and capacity with our team of in-house experts!
This week we are spotlighing the narrative that is emerging from conversations around women’s safety. We look at why focusing on just the actions and measures women can take to ensure their own safety is an incomplete understanding of the matter. To explore this issue, read here.
Inclusion at Work’s DEIB Certification Course is moving ahead robustly. This week our co-founder and litigation expert (gender based laws), trainer and expert came in with her in-depth legal knowhow to equip our participants with a blueprint of beginning DEIB work at their organisations. To know more, read here.
Stay Current!
~ Spotlighting Landmark Judgments since passing of the Law!
I - LEGAL UPDATES
The Justice Hema Committee report, released on August 19, 2024, investigated issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, revealing widespread sexual harassment, gender discrimination, inadequate facilities, and safety concerns. The committee recommended new legislation, an independent Tribunal, mandatory gender training, and stricter regulations on alcohol and drugs. The Kerala High Court has ordered the submission of the entire report including the redacted parts.
We are tracking the RG Kar Medical College case, with key Supreme Court developments on August 20 and 22, 2024. The Apex Court addressed systemic safety issues for medical professionals, established a National Task Force, and directed interim safety measures in hospitals.
The Bombay High Court ruled on August 21, 2024, that Section 509 of the IPC, which protects women’s modesty, applies to both spoken and written communications, including emails and social media. The court upheld the FIR against X for derogatory emails sent to Y, emphasizing modern technology’s impact on legal interpretations.
The Bombay High Court ruled that persistently following and expressing love to a minor girl despite her clear refusal constitutes sexual harassment under the POCSO Act. The appellant, X, was convicted for stalking and sexual harassment, with the court affirming the trial court’s decision and sentence.
II - Exploring Intersections
Recently a Madras High Court judge spoke about restricting the usage of the gay dating app, Grindr, in India. He deemed the app was being used for illegal activities. We at Inclusion at Work examine whether the violence that queer men face on dating apps will reduce if such a move is made. To know more, read here.
Engage with us!
Here's your weekly food for thought through a Fun Fact or Quiz.
Have a burning question about POSH? Maybe Mental Health at Work, Child safety or DEI&B strategies? Drop us an email with your query and we would love to answer it, in all seriousness.
Curious Cat: How did the Paralympics begin?
Answer: The Paralympics originated in 1948 when Dr. Ludwig Guttmann organized a sports competition for World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries. This event at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England is considered the precursor to the Paralympic Games.
Here’s all the tools you need to build safe and equitable workspaces!
Drop us a Hey, to get started!
